Anticipate security alerts, incidents and disasters and reduce their likelihood

Manage network, intrusion detection and prevention systems

Analyze security breaches to determine their root cause

Recommend and install appropriate tools and countermeasures

Define, implement and maintain corporate security policies

Train fellow employees in security awareness and procedures

Coordinate security plans with outside vendors

AdFeatured Schools

Utica College

Utica College has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Defense Cyber Crime Center.

University of California - Berkeley

The UC Berkeley School of Information's online Master of Information and Cybersecurity prepares students with the technical, conceptual, and practical skills needed for a professional career in cybersecurity. The program can be completed in 20 months and GRE/GMAT scores are required.

Champlain College

With a national reputation for excellence in information security education, and as a DHS/NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Champlain College offers some of the highest-quality, most relevant cybersecurity and digital forensics degree programs in the country to adult students. Learn it today, apply it tomorrow with our state-of-the art virtual labs, engaging courses, and talented practitioner-faculty.

Maryville University

The Maryville University 100% online Cyber Security program's unique position within the John E. Simon School of Business is ideal for you to combine your technical expertise with leadership ability. Whether you aspire to specialize your skills in areas like cloud security and cyber forensic analysis or expand your business knowledge, we can help.

Arizona State University

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology provides you with the expertise to design, select, implement and administer computer-based information solutions. The online Information Technology bachelor's program at Arizona State University is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET and focuses on developing skills to use the tools, languages and frameworks for designing and realizing complex websites.

Security Analyst vs. Security Administrator

Confused about the difference between a Security Analyst and a Security Administrator? Analysts and Administrators are peers, but they do not have the same job responsibilities.

Security Analysts are responsible for analyzing data and recommending changes to higher ups. But they are usually not the ones responsible for authorizing and implementing changes. Their main job is keeping attackers out.

Security Administrators ensure that systems are working as designed. Unlike analysts, they make changes, apply patches and set up new admin users. Their main job is keeping systems up.

Similar Jobs

The role of “Security Analyst” encompasses job titles such as:

Data Security Analyst

Information System Security Analyst

IT Security Analyst

Security Analyst Salaries

According to Payscale, the median salary for a Security Analyst is $65,261 per year (2014 figures). Overall, you can expect to take home a total pay of $44,285 – $95,851. This includes your base annual salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable.

Security Analyst Job Requirements

Work Experience

This will depend on the complexity of your organization’s security needs. The majority of job postings ask for 1-5 years of experience. Many folks with 5+ years of experience don’t want the stress of working as an Incident Responder and will opt for a lifelong career as an analyst instead. Employers are usually happy to accept them.

Degree Requirements

There is no firm and fast degree requirement for Security Analysts. Nevertheless, most employers are going to be looking for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security or a related field.

Having said that, there are a lot of current analysts who have gone through weird and wonderful routes. If you don’t have a technical degree, you may be able to impress hiring agencies with experience, training and certifications.

Hard Skills

Consider honing your technical skills in:

IDS/IPS, penetration and vulnerability testing

DLP, anti-virus and anti-malware

TCP/IP, computer networking, routing and switching

Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols

Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems

Network protocols and packet analysis tools

C, C++, C#, Java or PHP programming languages

Cloud computing

SaaS models

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Soft Skills

Soft skills like writing, teaching and public speaking are equally important. As part of your job, you’ll be expected to draft policies, talk over issues with upper management and explain how your security plans fit into the larger corporate picture.

Overall, analysts are expected to be curious, creative thinkers who are deeply interested in the latest security developments and tools.

Certifications for Security Analysts

Security certifications look good on résumés, but they’re not always necessary for certain positions – check the job requirements. In addition, some of these certifications (e.g. CISSP) require a number of years of experience: